After Invenergy, it was the turn of RES (Renewable Energy Systems Canada) to consult the population, among others in Saint-Alexandre, on its Vauban wind farm project that we want to install in the MRCs of Kamouraska, Témiscouata and Wolf River.
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Several companies will submit bids in July to Hydro-Québec’s calls for tenders with the aim of setting up a wind farm. The region is of great interest for several reasons, including the fact that the Alliance-de-l’Est, the 50% public partner involving the municipalities of Montmagny to the east, is very well established and has proven itself.
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Only one project remains — or maybe none? — should be retained. But to earn points, private companies must demonstrate that social acceptability is there. This is why they are increasing the number of public meetings.
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In the case of RES, the company will bid with several variants, between 22 and 70 wind turbines for projects of 100 to 300 MW. The Vauban wind farm would take place, among other places, on the TNO Picard, as far as the MRC de Kamouraska is concerned. Certain basic criteria must be met, including public partnership, but expenditures in Quebec must be at least 50%. 60% of the points are devoted to the price, which should perhaps make the difference between all the partners that Hydro-Québec must choose.
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According to Julie Turgeon of RES, these consultations are important, because people can be heard and make proposals that can lead to changes in the project.
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“The objective is to see, for example if I realize that a wind turbine is on the edge of a maple grove that has significant maple potential and that I can pack it down, I will pack it down. Or for example, a group of hunters came to tell me to communicate with someone in particular, who will tell us which hunting periods should be stopped during construction. It is by doing consultations that we can have local contacts,” added Julie Turgeon.
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